Compositions and methods for treating hair

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are hair styling compositions comprising at least two latex polyurethane polymers, wherein at least one latex polyurethane polymer is a film-forming polymer, and at least one component chosen from thickening agents. Methods of styling the hair are also disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to hair styling compositions comprising at leasttwo latex polymers, wherein at least one latex polymer is a film-formingpolymer, and at least one component chosen from thickening agents. Theat least two latex polymers are chosen from polyurethane polymers. Invarious embodiments of the disclosure, the at least two latex polymersare chosen to have certain properties. Compositions comprising the atleast two latex polymers and at least one component chosen fromthickening agents may, according to certain embodiments, form films thathave surprising properties. Methods of styling the hair with suchcompositions are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Compositions for styling the hair are known, such as, for example, hairspray compositions, hair gels and mousses, hair volumizing compositions,hair smoothing creams, lotions, serums, oils, clays, etc. The goals ofmany hair styling compositions include to hold or fix the hair in aparticular shape, to impart or increase volume of the hair, and/or tosmooth the hair, e.g. to decrease or eliminate the appearance of frizz.

Drawbacks associated with current products for styling the hair includethat the product is often sticky or tacky and/or often produces a filmthat imparts a sticky or tacky feel, and styled hair that is stiffand/or “crunchy” (i.e. the film is hard and brittle resulting in acrunching feel or sound when the hair is touched), which is undesirablefor most consumers.

Current products for styling the hair typically include water solublefilm-forming polymers. Depending on the chemical make-up of thesepolymers, they may be either soluble in water, or they may be waterinsoluble polymers which are made water soluble via various chemicalmodifications, such as neutralization. Solutions comprising thesepolymers tend to be viscous, i.e. as the concentration of the polymerincreases, its viscosity builds up rapidly. Translated to stylingapplications, as the solvent evaporates, the polymer solution becomesthicker on the hair surface, resulting in a sticky or tacky film. Theseproducts also tend to exhibit problems with product spreadability, hairmanageability, and low degree of humidity resistance which isparticularly a problem in hot and humid countries.

The use of latex polymers is also known, for example, to provideextended-wear properties to a cosmetic product (e.g. mascara, eyeliner,nail polish) into which they are formulated.

Some known compositions include one latex polymer. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 6,126,929 describes a composition comprising a dispersion of alatex film former, optionally with a plasticizer, and a non film-formingparticle not capable of being film-formed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,374describes a composition comprising cationic polymers, a surfactant, andan anionic latex. U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,832 describes a compositioncomprising at least one non-latex polymer and an anionic, cationic oramphoteric fixing polymer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,721 describes acomposition comprising a latex particle. U.S. Patent Application No.2005/0089490 A1 describes a composition comprising a water-dispersiblestyling polymer and a gel-forming polymer.

Other known cosmetic compositions include various components to provideimproved properties such as adhesion, flexibility, and compatibility ofother components. For example, U.S Patent Application No. 2007/0224140A1 describes a composition comprising a cosmetically acceptable medium,a non film-forming microsphere to provide adhesion, and a film-formingcomponent comprising two water-borne emulsion polymers. French PatentApplication No. FR 2 968 978A describes an eyeliner compositioncomprising at least two film-forming latexes and a plasticizer toincrease the flexibility of the film. French Patent Application No. FR 2898 050A describes a composition comprising a fatty acid ester, and acopolymer of a (meth)acrylate polymer and a hydroxyester (meth)acrylate.U.S. Patent Application No. 2009/0297467A describes a compositioncomprising at least one neutralized sulfonated polymer and mixtures ofacrylates and hydroxyester acrylates. U.S. Patent Application No.2009/035335 A1 describes a mascara composition comprising twowater-dispersible acrylate polymers, and a cross-linked polymericfilm-former to enhance the compatibility and bind the twowater-dispersible acrylate polymers. International Patent ApplicationNo. WO 2011/137338 A2 describes a composition comprising a polyurethanedispersion and an acrylic film-forming dispersion. U.S. PatentApplication No. 2004/0071646A describes an aerosol device containing acomposition comprising a polyurethane dispersion having a particle sizeof from 0.1-1 μm, and at least one non-latex fixing polymer.

Additionally, some cosmetic compositions incorporate polymers having acore-shell structure. For example, U.S. Patent Application No.2003/0064045 A1 describes a mascara composition comprising a dispersionof particles having a core-shell structure. U.S. Patent Application No.2007/0286833 A1 describes a multistage polymer comprising a latexcore-shell particle comprising a soft polymer and a hard polymer. Inaddition, U.S. Patent Application No. 2009/0317432A describes anapplicator for makeup containing a composition comprising a colorant andat least one latex or core-shell latex particle.

Cosmetic compositions in a non-aqueous medium are known. For example,European Patent Application No. EP 1 082 953A describes a dispersioncomprising two film formers in isododecane. International PatentApplication No. WO11056332A describes a composition comprising threevolatile solvents, and at least one film former, for example siliconacrylate or acrylate, soluble or dispersible in at least one of thethree solvents.

Compositions for use in mascaras may have low glass transitiontemperatures (“Tg”) to obtain a soft film. For example, U.S. PatentApplication No. 2010/0028284 A1 describes a mascara compositioncomprising at least two acrylate film formers, where the glasstransition temperature (“Tg”) of the mascara composition is 20° C. U.S.Patent Application No. 2006/134043A describes a mascara compositioncomprising a fatty acid and at least one acrylate resin emulsion.

Some known compositions use solubilized polymers rather than polymerparticles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,651,693 describes a compositioncomprising a solubilized blend of two polymers. U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,328describes a composition comprising at least one acrylate latex that issoluble in solutions containing low volatile organic compounds or inwater upon neutralization.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,728 describes a composition comprising awater-soluble fixative polymer and a latex particle. Water-solublepolymers tend to be sticky, and may not be suitable for applicationsrequiring a clean touch.

French Patent Application No. FR 2 834 458A describes a nail polishcomposition comprising two film formers in an aqueous medium in aspecific ratio.

However, it has now been discovered that by providing a compositioncomprising at least two latex polymers chosen from polyurethanepolymers, wherein at least one of said latex polymers is a film-formingpolymer, and at least one component chosen from thickening agents, it ispossible to form a film on a substrate that has certain desirableproperties, such as a clean, natural, and/or “invisible” feel, and alack of stickiness. Such compositions may be useful in hair-stylingapplications wherein styling benefits such as a natural look, curling orstraightening, and styling hold are imparted to hair.

Moreover, compositions according to embodiments of the disclosure may beprepared that deliver a surprisingly broad range of hair stylingbenefits, such as, for example, from low to high style-hold andcurl-retention properties, for example by varying the weight ratiobetween both latex polyurethane polymers, with or without additives.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The disclosure relates, in various embodiments, to compositionscomprising at least two latex polyurethane polymers, wherein at leastone latex polyurethane polymer is a film-forming polymer, and at leastone component chosen from thickening agents. In various embodiments, theat least two latex polyurethane polymers may be chosen to have certainproperties. In at least certain embodiments, the at least two latexpolyurethane polymers are present in a combined amount ranging fromabout 0.1% to about 30% by weight, relative to the weight of thecomposition. In further embodiments, the at least two latex polyurethanepolymers are present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 10:1to about 1:10.

The composition comprising the at least two latex polyurethane polymersand at least one component chosen from thickening agents forms a filmwhen applied to a substrate. In at least certain exemplary embodimentsaccording to the disclosure, the resulting film formed by thecomposition comprising at least two latex polyurethane polymers, and atleast one component chosen from thickening agents, is clear and/ortransparent.

In further embodiments, methods of styling the hair are disclosed, saidmethods comprising applying compositions according to the disclosure tothe hair. Such styling methods may comprise shaping, reshaping,positioning, repositioning, adding volume to, curling, or straighteningthe hair, in order to achieve a certain hair style or appearance.

Latex Polymers

According to various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the atleast two latex polymers, at least one of which is a film-formingpolymer, are chosen from polyurethane polymers. The at least two latexpolyurethane polymers may be present in a combined amount ranging fromabout 0.1% to about 30% by weight, relative to the weight of thecomposition. In other embodiments, the at least two latex polyurethanepolymers may be present in the composition in a weight ratio of about10:1 to about 1:10.

In various embodiments, the at least two latex polyurethane polymers maybe identified as polymer A and polymer B. Compositions according tocertain embodiments may comprise at least one polymer A and at least onepolymer B, wherein both polymer A and polymer B are film-formingpolymers. In additional embodiments, the at least two latex polyurethanepolymers may be chosen from polymers A, B, and C, wherein polymers A andB are film-forming polymers and polymer C is not a film-forming polymer.At least one of the latex polymers is chosen to be a film-formingpolymer, for instance, various combinations of A and A; B and B; A andB; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C, and the like may be used.

In various embodiments, polymer A may be chosen from latex polyurethanepolymers having a Young's modulus ranging from about 0.1 MPa to about 10MPa, and a strain, under stress at 0.5 MPa, of at least about 1%; andpolymer B may be chosen from latex polyurethane polymers having aYoung's modulus ranging from about 10 MPa to about 6 GPa, and a strain,under stress at 0.5 MPa, of less than about 5%. In at least certainembodiments, polymer A may have a glass transition temperature (Tg)ranging from about −90° C. to about 40° C., and polymer B may have aglass transition temperature (Tg) ranging from about 40° C. to about200° C. In at least certain other embodiments, the weight ratio ofpolymer A to polymer B in the compositions of the disclosure is fromabout 1:10 to about 1:1, from about 3:1 to about 10:1, or from about 5:1to about 10:1.

In at least certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, latexpolyurethane polymers A and B may be chosen such that polymer Acomprises at least one latex polyurethane polymer that is a relativelysoft, flexible latex polymer, and polymer B comprises at least one latexpolyurethane polymer that is a relatively hard, brittle polymer,although such characteristics are not required.

As used herein, a film-forming polymer is meant to include a polymerthat is capable, by itself or in the presence of an auxiliaryfilm-forming agent, of forming a macroscopically continuous film thatadheres to keratin materials, and preferably a cohesive film, betterstill, a film whose cohesion and mechanical properties are such thatsaid film can be isolated and manipulated individually, for example,when said film is prepared by pouring onto a non-stick surface such asTeflon-coated or silicone-coated surface. In addition, as used herein, anon-film-forming polymer is meant to include a polymer which will notform a film at ambient temperature or below, or in other words, willonly form a film at temperatures above ambient. For purposes of thisdisclosure, ambient temperature is taken as being below 40° C. such asin the range of 15° C. to 30° C.

By “at least two latex polyurethane polymers,” it is contemplated thatmore than two latex polyurethane polymers may be chosen. Thus, forexample, in various embodiments, the composition may comprise polymers Aand/or B, which are latex film-forming polyurethane polymers, and thecomposition may also comprise at least one latex polymer C that is anon-film-forming polyurethane polymer; and so on.

According to certain embodiments, the compositions comprises exactly twolatex polyurethane polymers, at least one of which is a film-formingpolymer. In further embodiments, the composition comprises exactly twolatex polyurethane polymers, both of which are film-forming polymers. Inyet further embodiments, the composition comprises at least two latexpolyurethane polymers both of which are film-forming polymers, but doesnot comprise any additional film-forming polymers.

In at least certain embodiments of the disclosure, the at least twolatex polyurethane polymers are provided in the form of aqueousdispersions prior to formulating the compositions of the disclosure. Invarious embodiments, the aqueous dispersions may be obtained through anemulsion polymerization of monomers wherein the resulting latex polymershave a particle size lower than about 1 μm. In at least one exemplaryembodiment, a dispersion prepared by the polymerization in water of oneor more monomers having a polymerizable double bond may be chosen. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the aqueous dispersions obtained throughan emulsion polymerization may be spray-dried.

In other embodiments, the latex polymers are produced from condensationreactions between monomers and subsequently dispersed in an aqueousmedium.

Thus, the latex polyurethane polymers may, in various exemplaryembodiments, exist as dispersed polymer particles in a dispersionmedium, such as an aqueous dispersion medium. The latex polyurethanepolymers may, in certain embodiments, each be dispersed in independentdispersion media. In yet further embodiments, the latex polyurethanepolymers may be dispersed together in the same dispersion medium.

The dispersion medium comprises at least one solvent chosen from water.The dispersion medium may further comprise at least one solvent chosenfrom cosmetically acceptable organic solvents. Cosmetically acceptableorganic solvents may, in various embodiments, be water-miscible, e.g.capable of forming at 25° C. a homogeneous mixture that is transparent,or substantially transparent, to the eye. For instance, cosmeticallyacceptable organic solvents may be chosen from lower monoalcohols, suchas those containing from about 1 to 5 carbon atoms, for example ethanoland isopropanol; polyols, including glycols, such as those containingfrom about 2 to 8 carbon atoms, for example propylene glycol, ethyleneglycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, andglycerin; hydrocarbons, such as, for example, isododecane and mineraloil; and silicones, such as dimethicones, cyclomethicones, andcyclopentasiloxane; as well as mixtures thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the solvent of the dispersion mediumconsists of water. In other embodiments, the solvent of the dispersionmedium consists of water and at least one cosmetically acceptableorganic solvent. In further embodiments, the solvent comprises water. Inyet further embodiments, the solvent of the dispersion medium primarilycomprises water. For example, the solvent of the dispersion medium may,in at least certain exemplary embodiments, comprise greater than 50%water, such as greater than 55% water, greater than 60% water, greaterthan 65% water, greater than 70% water, greater than 75% water, greaterthan 80% water, greater than 85% water, greater than 90% water, greaterthan 95% water, greater than 96% water, greater than 97% water, greaterthan 98% water, or greater than 99% water.

In embodiments according to the disclosure, the latex polyurethanepolymer particles are not soluble in the solvent of the dispersionmedium, i.e. are not water soluble and/or are not soluble in the atleast one cosmetically acceptable organic solvent. Accordingly, thelatex polyurethane polymers retain their particulate form in the solventor solvents chosen.

In at least certain exemplary embodiments, latex particles according tothe disclosure may have an average diameter ranging up to about 1000 nm,such as from about 50 nm to about 800 nm, or from about 100 nm to about500 nm. Such particle sizes may be measured with a laser granulometer(e.g. Brookhaven BI90).

In various embodiments, the latex polyurethane polymers may,independently, be neutralized, partially neutralized, or unneutralized.In exemplary embodiments where the latex polymers are neutralized orpartially neutralized, the particle size may be, for example, greaterthan about 800 nm. In at least certain embodiments, the particulate formof the latex polyurethane polymers is retained in the dispersion medium.

In further embodiments, the latex polyurethane polymers may be chosenfrom uncharged and charged latex polymers. Thus, the latex polyurethanepolymers may, according to various exemplary embodiments, be chosen fromnonionic latex polymers, cationic latex polymers, and anionic latexpolymers.

As non-limiting examples of latex polyurethane polymers that may beused, mention may be made, independently, of aqueous polyurethanedispersions comprising the reaction products of (i), (ii), and/or (iii),defined below.

Reaction product (i) may be any prepolymer according to the formula:

wherein R1 is chosen from bivalent radicals of a dihydroxyl functionalcompound, R2 is chosen from hydrocarbon radicals of an aliphatic orcycloaliphatic polyisocyanate, and R3 is chosen from radicals of a lowmolecular weight diol, optionally substituted with ionic groups, nranges from about 0 to about 5, and m is greater than about 1.

Suitable dihydroxyl compounds for providing the bivalent radical R1include those having at least two hydroxy groups, and having numberaverage molecular weights ranging from about 700 to about 16,000, suchas, for example, from about 750 to about 5000. Non-limiting examples ofthe high molecular weight compounds include polyester polyols, polyetherpolyols, polyhydroxy polycarbonates, polyhydroxy polyacetals,polyhydroxy polyacrylates, polyhydroxy polyester amides, polyhydroxypolyalkadienes and polyhydroxy polythioethers. In various embodiments,polyester polyols, polyether polyols, and polyhydroxy polycarbonates maybe chosen. Mixtures of such compounds are also within the scope of thedisclosure.

The polyester diol(s) may optionally be prepared from aliphatic,cycloaliphatic, or aromatic dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids, oranhydrides thereof; and dihydric alcohols such as diols chosen fromaliphatic, alicyclic, or aromatic diols.

The aliphatic dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids may be chosen from,for example: succinic, fumaric, glutaric, 2,2-dimethylglutaric, adipic,itaconic, pimelic, suberic, azelaic, sebacic, maleic, malonic,2,2-dimethylmalonic, nonanedicarboxylic, decanedicarboxylic,dodecanedioic, 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic,2,5-norboranedicarboxylic, diglycolic, thiodipropionic,2,5-naphthalenedicarboxylic, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic, phthalic,terephthalic, isophthalic, oxanic, o-phthalic, tetrahydrophthalic,hexahydrophthalic or trimellitic acid.

The acid anhydrides may, in further exemplary embodiments, be chosenfrom o-phthalic, trimellitic or succinic acid anhydride or a mixturethereof. By way of non-limiting example only, the dicarboxylic acid maybe adipic acid.

The dihydric alcohols may be chosen from, for example, ethanediol,ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, trimethyleneglycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol,tripropylene glycol, tetrapropylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol,1,4-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol,1,6-hexanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,4-dihydroxycyclohexane,1,4-dimethylolcyclohexane, cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,8-octanediol,1,10-decanediol, 1,12-dodecanediol, neopentyl glycol, and mixturesthereof. The cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic dihydroxyl compounds mayalso be suitable as the dihydric alcohol(s) for the preparation of thepolyester polyol(s).

The polyester diols may also be chosen from homopolymers or copolymersof lactones, which are, in at least certain embodiments, obtained byaddition reactions of lactones or lactone mixtures, such asbutyrolactone, ε-caprolactone and/or methyl-c-caprolactone with theappropriate polyfunctional, e.g. difunctional, starter molecules suchas, for example, the dihydric alcohols mentioned above. Thecorresponding polymers of ε-caprolactone may be chosen in at least someembodiments.

The polyester polyol, e.g. polyester diol, radical R1, may be obtainedby polycondensation of dicarboxylic acids, such as adipic acid, withpolyols, e.g. diols, such as hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, and mixturesthereof.

The polycarbonates containing hydroxyl groups comprise those known perse, such as the products obtained by reacting diols, such as(1,3)-propanediol, (1,4)-butanediol and/or (1,6)-hexanediol, diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol, or tetraethylene glycol with diarylcarbonates, for example diphenyl carbonate or phosgene.

Optional polyether polyols may be obtained in any known manner byreacting starting compounds which contain reactive hydrogen atoms withalkylene oxides, such as, for example, ethylene oxide; propylene oxide;butylene oxide; styrene oxide; tetrahydrofuran; or epichlorohydrin, orwith mixtures of these alkylene oxides. In at least certain embodiments,the polyethers do not contain more than about 10% by weight of ethyleneoxide units. For example, polyethers obtained without addition ofethylene oxide may be chosen.

Polyethers modified with vinyl polymers are also suitable according tovarious embodiments of the disclosure. Products of this type can beobtained by polymerization, for example, of styrene and acrylonitrile inthe presence of polyethers, for example as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,383,351; 3,304,273; 3,523,095; 3,110,695; and German patent 1 152 536.

Among the polythioethers which may be chosen include the condensationproducts obtained from thiodiglycol per se and/or with other glycols,dicarboxylic acids, formaldehyde, aminocarboxylic acids, and/or aminoalcohols. The products obtained are either mixed polythioethers,polythioether esters, or polythioether ester amides, depending on theco-components.

Optional polyacetals include but are not limited to the compounds whichcan be prepared from aldehydes, for example formaldehyde, and fromglycols, such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, ethoxylated4,4′-(dihydroxy)diphenyl-dimethylmethane, and (1,6)-hexanediol.Polyacetals useful according to various non-limiting embodiments of thedisclosure can also be prepared by polymerization of cyclic acetals.

Optional polyhydroxy polyesteramides and polyamines include, forexample, the mainly linear condensation products obtained from saturatedor unsaturated, polybasic carboxylic acids or anhydrides thereof, andfrom saturated or unsaturated, polyvalent amino alcohols, from diamines,or from polyamines, as well as mixtures thereof.

Optional monomers for the production of polyacrylates having hydroxylfunctionality comprise acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid,maleic anhydride, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate,2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, 3-hydroxypropylacrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, glycidyl acrylate, glycidylmethacrylate, 2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate, and 2-isocyanatoethylmethacrylate.

Mixtures of dihydroxy compounds can also be chosen.

Optional polyisocyanates for providing the hydrocarbon-based radical R2include, for example, organic diisocyanates having a molecular weightranging from about 100 to about 1500, such as about 112 to about 1000,or about 140 to about 400.

Optional diisocyanates are those chosen from the general formulaR₂(NCO)₂, in which R₂ represents a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon groupcomprising from about 4 to 18 carbon atoms, a divalent cycloaliphatichydrocarbon group comprising from about 5 to 15 carbon atoms, a divalentaraliphatic hydrocarbon group comprising from about 7 to 15 carbonatoms, or a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group comprising from about 6to 15 carbon atoms. Examples of the organic diisocyanates which may bechosen include, but are not limited to, tetramethylene diisocyanate,1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, dodecamethylene diisocyanate,cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate and cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate,1-isocyanato-3-isocyanatomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexane (isophoronediisocyanate or IPDI), bis(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)-methane,1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane and1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane andbis(4-isocyanato-3-methylcyclohexyl)methane. Mixtures of diisocyanatescan also be used.

In at least certain embodiments, diisocyanates are chosen from aliphaticand cycloaliphatic diisocyanates. For example, 1,6-hexamethylenediisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, and dicyclohexylmethanediisocyanate, as well as mixtures thereof may be chosen.

The use of diols, for example low molecular weight diols, R3, may in atleast certain embodiments allow a stiffening of the polymer chain. Theexpression “low molecular weight diols” means diols having a molecularweight ranging from about 50 to about 800, such as about 60 to 700, orabout 62 to 200. They may, in various embodiments, contain aliphatic,alicyclic, or aromatic groups. In certain exemplary embodiments, thecompounds contain only aliphatic groups. The diols that may be chosenmay optionally have up to about 20 carbon atoms, and may be chosen, forexample, from ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propane-1,2-diol,propane-1,3-diol, butane-1,4-diol, 1,3-butylene glycol, neopentylglycol, butylethylpropanediol, cyclohexanediol,1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, hexane-1,6-diol, bisphenol A(2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane), hydrogenated bisphenol A(2,2-bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)-propane), and mixtures thereof. Forexample, R3 may be derived from neopentyl glycol.

Optionally, the low molecular weight diols may contain ionic orpotentially ionic groups. Suitable low molecular weight diols containingionic or potentially ionic groups may be chosen from those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 3,412,054. In various embodiments, compounds may be chosenfrom dimethylol-butanoic acid (DMBA), dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA),and carboxyl-containing caprolactone polyester diol. If low molecularweight diols containing ionic or potentially ionic groups are chosen,they may, for example, be used in an amount such that less than about0.30 meq of —COOH is present per gram of polyurethane in thepolyurethane dispersion. In at least certain exemplary and non-limitingembodiments, the low molecular weight diols containing ionic orpotentially ionic groups are not used.

Reaction product (ii) may be chosen from at least one chain extenderaccording to the formula:

H2N—R4-NH2

wherein R4 is chosen from alkylene or alkylene oxide radicals, saidradicals not being substituted with ionic or potentially ionic groups.

Reaction product (ii) may optionally be chosen from alkylene diamines,such as hydrazine, ethylenediamine, propylenediamine,1,4-butylenediamine and piperazine; and alkylene oxide diamines such asdipropylamine diethylene glycol (DPA-DEG available from Tomah Products,Milton, Wis.), 2-methyl-1,5-pentanediamine (Dytec A from DuPont),hexanediamine, isophoronediamine, and 4,4-methylenedi(cyclohexylamine),and the DPA-series of ether amines available from Tomah Products,Milton, Wis., including dipropylamine propylene glycol, dipropylaminedipropylene glycol, dipropylamine tripropylene glycol, dipropylaminepoly(propylene glycol), dipropylamine ethylene glycol, dipropylaminepoly(ethylene glycol), dipropylamine 1,3-propanediol, dipropylamine2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, dipropylamine 1,4-butanediol, dipropylamine1,3-butanediol, dipropylamine 1,6-hexanediol and dipropylaminecyclohexane-1,4-dimethanol, and mixtures thereof.

Reaction product (iii) may be chosen from at least one chain extenderaccording to the formula:

H2N|R5-NH2

wherein R5 is chosen from alkylene radicals substituted with ionic orpotentially ionic groups. In at least certain exemplary embodiments, thecompounds may have an ionic or potentially ionic group and twoisocyanate-reactive groups.

As used herein, ionic or potentially ionic groups may include groupscomprising ternary or quaternary ammonium groups, groups convertibleinto such groups, carboxyl groups, carboxylate groups, sulphonic acidgroups, and sulphonate groups. At least partial conversion of the groupsconvertible into salt groups of the type mentioned may take place beforeor during the mixing with water. Specific compounds includediaminosulphonates, such as for example the sodium salt ofN-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid (AAS) or the sodium salt ofN-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminopropionic acid.

In at least certain embodiments, R5 represents an alkylene radicalsubstituted with sulphonic acid or sulphonate groups. By way of exampleonly, the compound is chosen from sodium salts ofN-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid.

By way of non-limiting example, such latexes include, but are notlimited to, aqueous polyurethane dispersions comprising a reactionproduct of a prepolymer comprising a dihydroxyl compound, apolyisocyanate, and a low molecular weight diol and at least two diaminecompounds and wherein the composition is substantially free oftriethanolamine stearate such as, for example, those sold under theBAYCUSAN® name by Bayer such as, for example, BAYCUSAN® C1000 (INCIname: Polyurethane-34), BAYCUSAN® C1001 (INCI name: Polyurethane-34),BAYCUSAN® C1003 (INCI name: Polyurethane-32), BAYCUSAN® C1004 (INCIname: Polyurethane-35) and BAYCUSAN® C1008 (INCI name: Polyurethane-48).In various exemplary embodiments, polyurethane latexes may be chosenfrom, but are not limited to, aqueous polyurethane dispersion ofIsophthalic Acid/Adipic Acid/Hexylene Glycol/Neopentylglycol/Dimethylolpropanoic Acid/Isophorone Diisocyanate copolymer (INCIname: Polyurethane-1, such as Luviset® P.U.R, BASF), aliphaticpolyurethane and aliphatic polyester polyurethane (such as the Neorez®series, DSM, such as Neorez® R989, INCI name: Polycarbamyl PolyglyconEster).

In various embodiments according to the disclosure, it may be possibleto choose a polymer that comprises both acrylate and polyurethane partsat the molecular level.

Thickening Agents/Rheology Modifiers

The compositions according to various embodiments of the disclosurecomprise at least one component chosen from thickening agents, alsoreferred to interchangeably herein as thickeners or rheology modifiers.Thickening agents are generally used to modify the viscosity or rheologyof compositions. However, without wishing to be bound by theory, it isbelieved that the presence of thickening agents in compositionsaccording to the disclosure may lower the glass transition temperature,Tg, decrease the Young's modulus, and increase the strain of latexpolymers and/or the films formed by latex polymers. In addition, withoutwishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the addition of theat least one thickening agent may aid in the distribution of thecomposition on hair, may ease handling and/or manageability of thecomposition. Thus, while thickening agents may decrease the Tg of thefilm formed by the composition, thereby softening the film or coatingformed by the latex polymers, it was surprisingly and unexpectedly foundthat the coating or film produced on hair treated with the compositionsof the disclosure imparts a strong styling hold to the hair whileleaving the hair with a natural/clean feel and look. As such, theflexibility and stiffness of the resulting film or coating may be morebalanced and thus impart a better style and stronger hold to hair. It isalso possible to render the hair softer, and/or generally improve theperformance of the composition on the hair.

Non-limiting examples of thickening agents that may be used according tovarious embodiments of the disclosure include those conventionally usedin cosmetics, such as polymers of natural origin and synthetic polymers.For example, nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphiphilic, and amphotericpolymers, and other known rheology modifiers, such as cellulose-basedthickeners, may be chosen.

The thickening agents may be chosen from, for example, hydrophilicthickeners, for example cellulose polymers and gums. As used herein, theterm “hydrophilic thickener” is meant to indicate that the thickeningagent is soluble or dispersible in water. Non-limiting examples ofhydrophilic thickeners include modified or unmodified carboxyvinylpolymers, such as the products sold under the name CARBOPOL (CTFA name:carbomer) by Goodrich, homopolymers or copolymers of acrylic ormethacrylic acids or the salts thereof and the esters thereof, such asthe products sold under the names VERSICOL F® or VERSICOL K® by AlliedColloid, ULTRAHOLD 8® by Ciba-Geigy, polyacrylates and polymethacrylatessuch as the products sold under the names LUBRAJEL and NORGEL byGuardian, or under the name HISPAJEL by Hispano Chimica, and polyacrylicacids of SYNTHALEN K type, polyacrylamides, copolymers of acrylic acidand of acrylamide sold in the form of the sodium salt thereof, such asunder the names RETEN® by Hercules, the sodium polymethacrylate such assold under the name DARVAN 7® by Vanderbilt, and the sodium salts ofpolyhydroxycarboxylic acids such as sold under the name HYDAGEN F® byHenkel, optionally crosslinked and/or neutralized2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid polymers and copolymers, forinstance poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid) such as soldby Clariant under the name HOSTACERIN AMPS (CTFA name: ammoniumpolyacryldimethyltauramide), crosslinked anionic copolymers ofacrylamide and of AMPS, e.g. in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion,such as those sold under the name SEPIGEL™ 305 (CTFA name:Polyacrylamide/C13-14 Isoparaffin/Laureth-7) and under the nameSIMULGEL™ 600 (CTFA name: Acrylamide/Sodium acryloyldimethyltauratecopolymer/Isohexa-decane/Polysorbate 80) by SEPPIC, polyacrylicacid/alkyl acrylate copolymers of PEMULEN type, associative polymers,for instance PEG-150/stearyl alcohol/SMDI copolymer such as sold underthe name ACULYN™ 46 by Rohm & Haas, steareth-100/PEG-136/HDI copolymersuch as sold under the name RHEOLATE® FX 1100 by Elementis), as well asmixtures thereof.

Other exemplary hydrophilic thickeners include associative polymers. Asused herein, the term “associative polymer” is intended to mean anyamphiphilic polymer comprising in its structure at least one fatty chainand at least one hydrophilic portion. The associative polymers inaccordance various exemplary embodiments may be anionic, cationic,nonionic or amphoteric. By way of example, associative polymers whichmay be chosen include those comprising at least one hydrophilic unit andat least one fatty-chain allyl ether unit, such as those in which thehydrophilic unit is constituted of an ethylenic unsaturated anionicmonomer, such as a vinylcarboxylic acid or an acrylic acid, amethacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof, and in which the fatty-chainallyl ether unit corresponds to the monomer of formula (I) below:

CH₂═C(R′)CH₂OB_(n)R  (I)

in which R′ is chosen from H or CH₃, B is chosen from an ethyleneoxyradical, n is zero or is chosen from an integer ranging from 1 to 100,and R is chosen from a hydrocarbon-based radical chosen from alkyl,arylalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl and cycloalkyl radicals containing from 8 to30 carbon atoms, such as from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, or from 12 to 18carbon atoms. Exemplary and non-limiting polymers of this type aredescribed and prepared, according to an emulsion polymerization process,in patent EP 0 216 479.

Non-limiting examples of associative anionic polymers that may also bechosen include anionic polymers comprising at least one hydrophilic unitof olefinic unsaturated carboxylic acid type, and at least onehydrophobic unit exclusively of (C₁₀-C₃₀)alkyl ester of unsaturatedcarboxylic acid type. Examples that may be mentioned include, but arenot limited to, the anionic polymers described and prepared according topatents U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,915,921 and 4,509,949.

Cationic associative polymers that may be chosen include, but are notlimited to, quaternized cellulose derivatives and polyacrylatescontaining amine side groups.

Exemplary non-ionic associative polymers include celluloses modifiedwith groups comprising at least one fatty chain, for instancehydroxyethyl celluloses modified with groups comprising at least onefatty chain, such as alkyl groups, e.g. C₈-C₂₂ alkyl groups, arylalkyland alkylaryl groups, such as cetyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, also knownas Natrosol® Plus (sold by the company Ashland); Bermocoll EHM 100 (soldby the company Berol Nobel), Amercell Polymer HM-1500® sold by Amerchol(hydroxyethylcellulose modified with a polyethylene glycol (15)nonylphenyl ether group, sold by the company Amerchol), cellulosesmodified with polyalkylene glycol alkylphenyl ether groups, guars suchas hydroxypropyl guar, optionally modified with groups comprising atleast one fatty chain such as an alkyl chain, for example JAGUAR®XC-95/3 (C14 alkyl chain, sold by the company Rhodia Chimie); Esaflor HM22 (C22 alkyl chain, sold by the company Lamberti); RE210-18 (C14 alkylchain) and RE205-1 (C20 alkyl chain, sold by the company Rhodia Chimie),copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of fatty-chain hydrophobic monomers,for instance Antaron® or Ganex® V216 (vinylpyrrolidone/hexadecenecopolymers); Antaron® or Ganex® V220 (vinylpyrrolidone/eicosenecopolymers), sold by the company I.S.P., copolymers of C₁-C₆ alkylmethacrylates or acrylates and of amphiphilic monomers comprising atleast one fatty chain, and copolymers of hydrophilic methacrylates oracrylates and of hydrophobic monomers comprising at least one fattychain, for instance the polyethylene glycol methacrylate/laurylmethacrylate copolymer.

Associative polyurethanes may also be chosen in various exemplary andnon-limiting embodiments. These are nonionic block copolymers comprisingin the chain both hydrophilic blocks usually of polyoxyethylene nature,and hydrophobic blocks that may be aliphatic sequences alone and/orcycloaliphatic and/or aromatic sequences. Associative polyurethanescomprise at least two hydrocarbon-based lipophilic chains containingfrom C₆ to C₃₀ carbon atoms, separated by a hydrophilic block, thehydrocarbon-based chains optionally being pendent chains or chains atthe end of a hydrophilic block. For example, it is possible for one ormore pendent chains to be provided. In addition, the polymer maycomprise a hydrocarbon-based chain at one or both ends of a hydrophilicblock. The associative polyurethanes may be arranged in triblock ormultiblock form. The hydrophobic blocks may thus be at the each end ofthe chain (for example, triblock copolymer with a hydrophilic centralblock) or distributed both at the ends and within the chain (forexample, multiblock copolymer). These polymers may also be graftpolymers or starburst polymers. For example, the associativepolyurethanes may be triblock copolymers in which the hydrophilic blockis a polyoxyethylene chain containing from 50 to 1000 oxyethylenegroups.

By way of non-limiting example, associative polymers of the polyurethanepolyether type that may be used include the polymer C₁₆-OE₁₂₀-C₁₆ fromServo Delden (under the name SER AD FX1100), which is a moleculecontaining a urethane function and having a weight-average molecularweight of 1300), OE being an oxyethylene unit, Nuvis® FX 1100 (Europeanand US INCI name “Steareth-100/PEG-136/HMDI Copolymer” sold by thecompany Elementis Specialties), and also Acrysol RM 184® (sold by thecompany Rohm and Haas); Elfacos® T210® (C12-C14 alkyl chain) andElfacos® T212® (C18 alkyl chain) sold by the company Akzo. Furtherexemplary associative polymers that may be chosen include RHEOLATE® 205containing a urea function, sold by Rheox, or RHEOLATE® 208 or 204, orRHEOLATE® FX1100 from Elementis. The product DW 1206B from Rohm & Haascontaining a C₂₀ alkyl chain with a urethane bond, sold at a solidscontent of 20% in water, may also be used.

In yet further exemplary embodiments, solutions or dispersions of thesepolymers, especially in water or in aqueous-alcoholic medium, may bechosen. Examples of such polymers include SER AD FX1010, SER AD FX1035and SER AD 1070 from Servo Delden, and RHEOLATE® 255, RHEOLATE® 278 andRHEOLATE® 244 sold by Rheox. Further examples include the productsACULYN™ 46, DW 1206F and DW 1206J, and also ACRYSOL RM 184 or ACRYSOL 44from Rohm & Haas, and BORCHIGEL LW 44 from Borchers.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one thickening agentis chosen from copolymers resulting from the polymerization of at leastone monomer (a) chosen from carboxylic acids possessingα,β-ethylenically unsaturated groups or their esters, with at least onemonomer (b) possessing ethylenically unsaturated groups and comprising ahydrophobic group. Such copolymers may exhibit emulsifying properties.

As used herein, the term “copolymers” is intended to mean bothcopolymers obtained from two types of monomers and those obtained frommore than two types of monomers, such as, for example, terpolymersobtained from three types of monomers. The chemical structure of thecopolymers comprises at least one hydrophilic unit and at least onehydrophobic unit. The expression “hydrophobic unit” or “hydrophobicunit” is understood to mean a radical possessing a saturated orunsaturated and linear or branched hydrocarbon-based chain whichcomprises at least 8 carbon atoms, for example from 10 to 30 carbonatoms, as a further example from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, and as yet afurther example from 18 to 30 carbon atoms.

In certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the thickeningcopolymers are chosen from the copolymers resulting from thepolymerization of:

-   -   (1) at least one monomer of formula (II):

CH2=CH(R1)COOH  (II)

-   -   wherein R₁ is chosen from H or CH₃ or C₂H₅, providing acrylic        acid, methacrylic acid, or ethacrylic acid monomers, and    -   (2) at least one monomer of (C₁₀-C₃₀)alkyl ester of unsaturated        carboxylic acid type corresponding to the monomer of formula        (III):

CH2=CH(R2)COOR3  (III)

-   -   wherein R₂ is chosen from H or CH₃ or C₂H₅, providing acrylate,        methacrylate or ethacrylate units, R₃ denoting a C₁₀-C₃₀ alkyl        radical, such as a C₁₂-C₂₂ alkyl radical.

Non-limiting examples of (C₁₀-C₃₀)alkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylicacids are for example chosen from lauryl acrylate, stearyl acrylate,decyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate and thecorresponding methacrylates, such as lauryl methacrylate, stearylmethacrylate, decyl methacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate and dodecylmethacrylate, and mixtures thereof.

Additionally, crosslinked thickening polymers may be chosen according tofurther exemplary embodiments. For example, such polymers may be chosenfrom polymers resulting from the polymerization of a mixture of monomerscomprising:

-   -   (1) acrylic acid,    -   (2) an ester of formula (III) described above, in which R₂ is        chosen from H or CH₃, R₃ denoting an alkyl radical having from        12 to 22 carbon atoms, and    -   (3) a crosslinking agent, which is a well-known copolymerizable        polyethylenic unsaturated monomer, such as diallyl phthalate,        allyl (meth)acrylate, divinylbenzene, (poly)ethylene glycol        dimethacrylate and methyl enebisacrylamide.

By way of example, crosslinked thickening polymers comprising about 60%to about 95% by weight of acrylic acid (hydrophilic unit), about 4% toabout 40% by weight of C₁₀-C₃₀ alkyl acrylate (hydrophobic unit), andabout 0% to about 6% by weight of crosslinking polymerizable monomer. Inyet further embodiments, the crosslinked thickening polymers maycomprise about 96% to about 98% by weight of acrylic acid (hydrophilicunit), about 1% to about 4% by weight of C₁₀-C₃₀ alkyl acrylate(hydrophobic unit), and about 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of crosslinkingpolymerizable monomer, such as those described above.

For example, acrylate/C₁₀-C₃₀ alkyl acrylate copolymers (INCI name:Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer), such as the products soldby Lubrizol under the trade names PEMULEN™ TR1, PEMULEN™ TR2, CARBOPOL®1382 and CARBOPOL® EDT 2020 may be chosen.

In further embodiments, the at least one thickening agent may be chosenfrom nonionic homopolymers or copolymers containing ethylenicallyunsaturated monomers of the ester and/or amide type. For example, theproducts sold under the names CYANAMER P250 by the company CYTEC(polyacrylamide), methyl methacrylate/ethylene glycol dimethacrylatecopolymers (such as PMMA MBX-8C by the company US COSMETICS), butylmethacrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymers (such as ACRYLOID B66 by thecompany RHOM HMS), and polymethyl methacrylates (BPA 500 by the companyKOBO) may be chosen.

In yet further embodiments, the at least one thickening agent chosenfrom polymers of natural origin may include, for example, thickeningpolymers comprising at least one sugar unit, for instance nonionic guargums, optionally modified with C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl groups;biopolysaccharide gums of microbial origin, such as scleroglucan gum(also known as sclerotium gum) or xanthan gum; gums derived from plantexudates, such as gum arabic, ghatti gum, karaya gum, gum tragacanth,carrageenan gum, agar gum and carob gum, ceratonia siliqua gum andcyamopsis tetragonoloba (guar) gum; pectins; alginates; starches;hydroxy(C1-C6)alkylcelluloses and carboxy(C1-C6)alkylcelluloses.

Non-limiting examples of nonionic, unmodified guar gums that may be usedin various embodiments include Guargel D/15 (Noveon); Vidogum GH 175(Unipectine), Meypro-Guar 50 and JAGUAR® C (Meyhall/Rhodia Chimie).Non-limiting examples of nonionic modified guar gums include Jaguar®HP8, HP60, HP120, DC 293 and HP 105 (Meyhall/Rhodia Chimie); andGalactasol 4H4FD2 (Ashland).

Further examples of useful thickening agents include scleroglucans, forexample, Actigum™ CS from Sanofi Bio Industries; Amigel from AlbanMuller International, and also the glyoxal-treated scleroglucansdescribed in FR2633940); xanthan gums, for instance Keltrol®, Keltrol®T, Keltrol® Tf, Keltrol® Bt, Keltrol® Rd, Keltrol® Cg (NutrasweetKelco), Rhodicare® S and Rhodicare® H (Rhodia Chimie); starchderivatives, for instance Primogel® (Avebe); hydroxyethylcelluloses suchas Cellosize® QP3L, QP4400H, QP30000H, HEC30000A and Polymer PCG10(Amerchol), Natrosol™ 250HHR®, 250MR, 250M, 250HHXR, 250HHX, 250HR, HX(Hercules) and Tylose® H1000 (Hoechst); hydroxypropylcelluloses, forinstance Klucel® EF, H, LHF, MF and G (Ashland);carboxymethylcelluloses, for instance Blanose® 7M8/SF, refined 7M, 7LF,7MF, 9M31F, 12M31XP, 12M31P, 9M31XF, 7H, 7M31, 7H3SXF (Ashland),Aquasorb® A500 (Hercules), Ambergum® 1221 (Hercules), Cellogen® HP810A,HP6HS9 (Montello) and Primellose® (Avebe).

Exemplary modified nonionic guar gums may, for example, be modified withC1-C6 hydroxyalkyl groups. Exemplary hydroxyalkyl groups may includehydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl and hydroxybutyl groups.

Guar gums are well known in the state of the art and may, for example,be prepared by reacting the corresponding alkene oxides, such as forexample propylene oxides, with guar gum so as to obtain a guar gummodified with hydroxypropyl groups. The hydroxyalkylation ratio, whichcorresponds to the number of alkylene oxide molecules consumed to thenumber of free hydroxyl functional groups present on the guar gum, mayin at least certain exemplary embodiments vary from about 0.4 to about1.2.

Exemplary and non-limiting nonionic guar gums, optionally modified withhydroxyalkyl groups, include those sold under the trade names JAGUAR®HP8, JAGUAR® HP60 and JAGUAR® HP120, JAGUAR® DC 293 and JAGUAR® HP 105by the company RHODIA CHIMIE (RHODIA CHIMIE), and under the nameGALACTASOL™ 4H4FD2 by the company ASHLAND.

Guar gums may also be modified with a quaternary ammonium group. Guargums modified as such include Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, alsoknown under the tradename JAGUAR® C-13S (RHODIA CHIMIE).

Exemplary and non-limiting celluloses include hydroxyethylcelluloses andhydroxypropylcelluloses. The products sold under the names KLUCEL EF,KLUCEL H, KLUCEL LHF, KLUCEL MF, KLUCEL G, by the company ASHLAND,CELLOSIZE POLYMER PCG-10 by the company AMERCHOL, may be chosen invarious embodiments.

Exemplary, non-limiting thickening polysaccharides may be chosen fromglucans, modified or unmodified starches (such as those derived, forexample, from cereals such as wheat, corn or rice, vegetables such asgolden pea, tubers such as potato or cassava), amylose, amylopectin,glycogen, dextrans, celluloses and derivatives thereof(methylcelluloses, hydroxyalkylcelluloses, ethylhydroxyethylcelluloses),mannans, xylans, lignins, arabans, galactans, galacturonans, chitin,chitosans, glucoronoxylans, arabinoxylans, xyloglucans, glucomannans,pectic acids and pectins, arabinogalactans, carrageenans, agars, gumsarabic, gums tragacanth, Ghatti gums, Karaya gums, carob gums,galactomannans such as guar gums and their nonionic derivatives(hydroxypropylguar), and mixtures thereof.

Further, exemplary thickening agents include silicas, optionallyhydrophobic, such as those described in EP-A-898960, and for examplemarketed as AEROSIL® R812 by the company Degussa, CAB-O-SIL TS-530,CAB-O-SIL TS-610, CAB-O-SIL TS-720 by the company Cabot, AEROSIL® R972,AEROSIL® R974 by the company Degussa; clays, such as montmorillonite,modified clays such as the bentones for example, stearalkoniumhectorite, stearalkonium bentonite; polysaccharide alkyl ethers(optionally with the alkyl group having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, forexample from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, as a further example from 1 to 6carbon atoms, and as yet a further example from 1 to 3 carbon atoms)such as those described in document EP-A-898958.

Thickening agents of the present disclosure may also include rheologymodifiers. In accordance with the disclosure, rheology modifiers may, invarious exemplary embodiments, be chosen from Polyacrylamide(and)C13-14Isoparaffin(and)Laureth-7 (Sepigel™ 305 from Seppic), Hydroxypropyl Guar(JAGUAR® HP105 from Rhodia), Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum(Supercol U Guar Gum from Ashland), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl AcrylateCrosspolymer (Carbopol® Ultrez 20 Polymer from Lubrizol),Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (Permulen™ TR-1 fromLubrizol), Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 (Sepimax Zen from Seppic),Sclerotium Gum (Amigum from Alban Muller), Xanthan Gum(and)CeratoniaSiliqua Gum (Nomcort CG from Nisshin Oil Lio), Hydroxypropyl Guar(Jaguar® HP8 from Rhodia), Guar Hydroxypropyl Trimonium Chloride(Jaguar® C-13-S from Rhodia), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (Natrosol® 250 MRfrom Ashland).

When anionic thickening agents are used, they are generally neutralizedbefore being included in or as they are added to the compositions of thedisclosure. Such anionic thickening agents may be neutralized byemploying traditional neutralizing agents such as alkanolamines, forexample, monoethanolamine and diethanolamine; aminomethyl propanol;basic amino acids, for example arginine and lysine; and ammoniumcompounds and their salts. The anionic thickening agents may also beneutralized by at least one latex polyurethane polymer of the disclosurewherein said latex polyurethane polymer has at least one free aminogroup and/or is provided in a dispersion medium that has a pH of greaterthan 7.

Cationic thickening agents of the disclosure may also be chosen fromnon-associative cationic polymers such as dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate homopolymers quaternized with methyl chloride ordimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymers quaternized with methylchloride and acrylamide. Among the homopolymers of this type, mentionmay be made of the products sold under the names Salcare SC95 andSalcare SC96 by the company Ciba and SYNTHALEN® CR by the company 3VSigma (chemical name: methacryloylethyl trimethyl ammonium chloridehomopolymer, INCI name: polyquaternium-37). Among the copolymers of thisfamily, mention may be made of the product Salcare S C92 sold by Ciba orthe product PAS 5 194 sold by Hoechst.

Another suitable example of a cationic thickening agent is a productknown by the INCI name of polyacrylate-1 crosspolymer (Carbopol® AquaCC, from the company, Lubrizol).

It is contemplated that, in at least certain exemplary and non-limitingembodiments, the thickening agents of the disclosure may includecompounds such as gellifying and viscosity modifying agents. Forexample, compositions of the disclosure may employ at least onewater-soluble resin such as polyethylene oxide having a molecular weightranging from 100,000 to 10,000,000. Examples of such polyethylene oxidesinclude, but not limited to, Polyox water-soluble resins manufactured byDow under the INCI names of PEG-2M, PEG-5M, PEG-7M, PEG-14M, PEG-23M,PEG-45M, PEG-90M, PEG-160M, and PEG-180M. PEG-90M is known under thetradename of Polyox™ WSR 301, and PEG-45M is known under the tradenamePolyox™ WSR 60k. The amounts of water-soluble resins in thecompositions, when present, may range from about 0.1% to about 2% byweight relative to the total weight of the composition.

It is to be understood that any combination of the above mentionedagents is contemplated according to various exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure.

Compositions

As described herein, exemplary compositions according to the disclosuremay comprise at least two latex polymers chosen from polyurethanepolymers, wherein at least one of the latex polyurethane polymers is afilm-forming polymer, and at least one component chosen from thickeningagents. In certain embodiments, each of the latex polyurethane polymersis present in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 10% by weight,such as about 0.1% to about 7.5% by weight, such as about 0.25% to about5% by weight, such as about 0.5% to about 2.5% by weight, or about 0.5%to about 1.5% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition,including all ranges and subranges there between. In other embodiments,each of the latex polymers is present in an amount ranging from about 1%to about 15% by weight, such as about 1% to about 12% by weight, such asabout 1.2% to about 12% by weight, such as about 1.5% to about 10% byweight, or such as less than about 10% by weight, relative to the weightof the composition, including all ranges and subranges there between. Inyet other embodiments, each of the latex polyurethane polymers ispresent in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, suchas about 0.15% to about 1.9% by weight, or such as about 0.18% to about1.8% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition, including allranges and subranges there between.

In certain embodiments, the latex polyurethane polymers are present in acombined amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 30% by weight, such asabout 0.1% to about 25% by weight, such as about 0.2% to about 20% byweight, such as about 0.2% to about 15% by weight, such as about 0.5% toabout 10% by weight, such as about 1% to about 8% by weight, such asabout 1% to about 5% by weight, such as about 1% to about 3% by weight,or such as below about 30% by weight, or such as about 25% by weight, orsuch as about 20% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition,including all ranges and subranges there between. By way of non-limitingexample, the combined amount of latex polyurethane polymers may be about0.1%, about 0.5%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%,about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%,about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%,about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, or about 30%, by weight,relative to the weight of the composition.

In yet further embodiments, the combined amount of latex polyurethanepolymers ranges up to about 30%, such as up to about 29%, such as up toabout 28%, such as up to about 27%, such as up to about 26%, such as upto about 25%, such as up to about 24%, such as up to about 23%, such asup to about 22%, such as up to about 21%, such as up to about 20%, suchas up to about 19%, up to about 18%, up to about 17%, up to about 16%,up to about 15%, up to about 14%, up to about 13%, up to about 12%, upto about 11%, up to about 10%, up to about 10%, up to about 9%, up toabout 8%, up to about 7%, up to about 6%, up to about 5%, up to about4%, up to about 3%, up to about 2%, or up to about 1%, each by weight,relative to the weight of the composition. In at least one exemplaryembodiment, the combined amount of latex polyurethane polymers is lessthan about 10% by weight, such as less than about 5% by weight, relativeto the weight of the composition.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the weight ratio ofthe at least two latex polyurethane polymers, e.g. polymer A to polymerB, may range from about 10:1 to about 1:10, such as about 9:1 to about1:9, about 8:1 to about 1:8, about 7:1 to about 1:7, about 6:1 to about1:6, about 5:1 to about 1:5, about 4:1 to about 1:4, about 3:1 to about1:3, or about 2:1 to about 1:2, including all ranges and subranges therebetween.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the weight ratio ofpolymer A to polymer B is about 10:1, about 9:1, about 8:1, about 7:1,about 6:1, about 5:1, 4:1, about 3:1, about 2:1, about 1:1, about 1:2,about 1:3, about 1:4, about 1:5, about 1:6, about 1:7, about 1:8, about1:9, or about 1:10.

In at least certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, when polymerA is chosen from latex polymers having a Young's modulus ranging fromabout 0.1 MPa to about 10 MPa, and a strain, under stress at 0.5 MPa, ofat least about 1%; and polymer B is chosen from latex polymers having aYoung's modulus ranging from about 10 MPa to about 6 GPa, and a strain,under stress at 0.5 MPa, of less than about 5%, different weight ratiosof polymer A to polymer B may be chosen to correspond to different hairstyling applications. By way of example only, a weight ratio of polymerA to polymer B ranging from about 1:10 to about 1:1 may, in someembodiments, provide a high level of style hold; a weight ratio ofpolymer A to polymer B ranging from about 5:1 to about 10:1 may, in someembodiments, provide a medium to high level of style hold; and a weightratio of polymer A to polymer B ranging from about 3:1 to about 10:1may, in some embodiments, provide a light to medium level of style hold.

According to various embodiments, the at least one component chosen fromthickening agents may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% toabout 10% by weight, such as from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, orfrom about 0.5% to about 4% by weight, or from about 1% to about 3% byweight, based on the total weight of the composition.

In addition to the at least two latex polyurethane polymers, wherein atleast one is a film-forming polymer, and at least one component chosenfrom thickening agents, the compositions may further comprise at leastone solvent. The at least one solvent may be chosen from water, at leastone cosmetically acceptable organic solvent, or a mixture of water andat least one cosmetically acceptable organic solvent. Cosmeticallyacceptable organic solvents may, in various embodiments, bewater-miscible, e.g. a mixture capable of forming at 25° C. ahomogeneous mixture that is transparent, or substantially transparent,to the eye. For instance, cosmetically acceptable organic solvents maybe chosen from lower monoalcohols, such as those containing from about 1to 5 carbon atoms, for example ethanol and isopropanol; polyols,including glycols, such as those containing from about 2 to 8 carbonatoms, for example propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, 1,3-butyleneglycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and glycerin; hydrocarbons,such as, for example, isododecane and mineral oil; and silicones, suchas dimethicones, cyclomethicones, and cyclopentasiloxane; as well asmixtures thereof.

The at least one solvent may be present in an amount ranging up to about95%, such as from about 1% to about 90%, from about 5% to about 80%, orfrom about 10% to about 60% by weight, relative to the total weight ofthe composition.

In at least certain exemplary embodiments, the latex polyurethanepolymer particles are not soluble in the solvent of the composition, andthus remain in particulate form even after evaporation of the solvent.For example, in embodiments where the composition comprises alcohol as acosmetically acceptable organic solvent, the latex particles may remainin particulate form upon evaporation of the alcohol, such as once thecomposition is applied to a substrate.

Compositions according to various embodiments of the disclosure mayfurther comprise additional components that are typically used in hairstyling compositions. Such components are known to those of skill in theart, or are within the ability of those of skill in the art to determinedepending on the particular application, such as, for example, theparticular component and/or amount thereof. Such components include, butare not limited to, coalescing agents and plasticizers.

In various embodiments, the compositions described herein may have a pHranging from about 2 to about 9, such as about 3 to about 8, or about 4to about 7.

In at least certain exemplary embodiments, the compositions are in theform of hair styling compositions, in any form, such as, for example, agel, a cream, a foam, a lotion, an emulsion, or a liquid that may besprayed onto or otherwise applied to the hair. In various embodiments,the composition may be provided in the form of a gel, a mousse, or aspray. In at least certain embodiments, the composition may be appliedto the hair by first applying to the hands, and then contacting the hairwith the hands; in other embodiments, the composition may be applieddirectly onto the hair, such as by spraying. The compositions may, invarious embodiments, be applied to the hair as a leave-on treatment.

In various embodiments, the application of an external stimuli, such asheat, may be desirable as part of the hair styling process. By way ofexample only, before, during, or after the composition is applied to wetor dry hair, the hair may optionally be further treated with an externalstimuli, for example with heat ranging from about 25° C. to about 250°C. In at least certain embodiments, the hair may also be shaped orpositioned as desired while exposed to external stimuli, such as whileheated or exposed to heat.

Professional and consumer heating tools can be used as a means todeliver heat or an elevated temperature to the hair. The heating toolscan generate heat through electrical current or heating lamps. Dependingupon the desired style, these tools include, but are not limited to,heaters, blow dryers, flat irons, hot combs, hot curler sets, steampods, heated crimpers, heated lash curlers, heated wands/brushes, andhood driers or their combinations thereof.

As described, compositions according to the disclosure may impart a filmon a substrate, such as on the hair or on the hand during or afterapplication to the hair. A film formed by the composition may,surprisingly, be clean-feeling and not sticky, as with traditional hairstyling compositions. Also surprisingly, the composition may impart afilm on the hair that leaves the hair relatively natural andclean-feeling, yet has a flexible coating, leaving little to no residue,allows the hair to be bouncy and springy with little to no frizz orflaking, may impart relatively high definition with individualizedcurls, style control, volume, and shine, and/or may allow for relativelylong-lasting hold and style memory. Furthermore, in at least certainembodiments according to the disclosure, the compositions are not stickyor tacky. A user of hair compositions according to various embodimentsdescribed herein may thus feel that the composition is not perceptibleor is “invisible,” yet still effectively style and/or hold the hair.Additionally, the compositions may have effective hair styling and/orhold properties, even in conditions of high, or relatively high,humidity. In at least certain embodiments according to the disclosure,the compositions may be quick-drying, which may allow drying and/orstyling time to be reduced, as well as further improve ease of stylingand curl retention.

Furthermore, as described, compositions prepared according to variousembodiments may provide for varying degrees of hold to be imparted to ahair style. By way of non-limiting example only, in order to obtain aspiky look to hair of a very short length, a high level of styling holdmay be desirable. Or, as a further non-limiting example, in order toobtain a flowing look or to maintain hair curls for hair of mediumlength or longer length, a light to medium level of style hold may bedesirable. By altering the weight ratio of the first and secondpolymers, it is possible to formulate compositions having high levels ofstyle hold, medium to high levels of style hold, medium levels of stylehold, or light to medium levels of style hold.

In at least certain embodiments, a film formed by the compositionsdescribed herein may be clear and/or stable. In such embodiments, phaseseparation and dramatic aggregation are minimized.

In addition, hair styled or treated with compositions according to thedisclosure may, in at least certain exemplary embodiments, behydrophobic, and/or may appear less frizzy and/or may be less prone tobreakage, relative to hair subjected to the same conditions but nothaving been styled or treated with a composition according to thedisclosure.

It should be noted, however, that compositions and films, as well ashair to which the composition or film has been applied, according to thedisclosure may not have one or more of the herein-referenced properties,yet are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Also disclosed herein are methods for styling the hair, said methodscomprising applying a composition according to the disclosure to thehair, either before, during, or after styling the hair. One or moresteps of treating the hair with an external stimuli, such as heat,before, during, or after the composition has been applied to the hairare also contemplated.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and thefollowing Examples are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not to beinterpreted as restrictive of the disclosure. Moreover, it should beunderstood that various features and/or characteristics of differingembodiments herein may be combined with one another. It is therefore tobe understood that numerous modifications may be made to theillustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devisedwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodimentswill be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of thedisclosure and practice of the various exemplary embodiments disclosedherein.

It is also to be understood that, as used herein the terms “the,” “a,”or “an,” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one”unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, the useof “a surfactant” is intended to mean at least one surfactant.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used in the specification andclaims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about,” whether or not so stated. The term “about” as it modifiesnumbers herein is meant to indicate a difference of 10% or less from thestated number, such as 9% or less, such as 8% or less, such as 7% orless, such as 6% or less, such as 5% or less, such as 4% or less, suchas 3% or less, such as 2% or less, or such as 1% or less, in variousexemplary embodiments. Thus, by way of example only, in one embodimentwhere “about” indicates a difference of 10% or less, the phrase “about20%” is intended to encompass a range from 18%-22%. In another exemplaryembodiment where “about” indicates a difference of 5% or less, thephrase “about 20%” is intended to encompass a range from 19%-21%. Allsuch numbers within each specified range are hereby explicitly intendedto be included in the disclosure.

It should also be understood that the precise numerical values used inthe specification and claims form additional embodiments of thedisclosure, and are intended to include any ranges which can be narrowedto any two end points disclosed within the exemplary ranges and valuesprovided, as well as the specific end points themselves. Efforts havebeen made to ensure the accuracy of the numerical values disclosedherein. Any measured numerical value, however, can inherently containcertain errors resulting from the standard deviation found in itsrespective measuring technique.

It should be understood that compositions according to variousembodiments of the disclosure form a film when applied to a substrate.However, the various properties of the film described herein areintended to include any film provided by compositions according to thedisclosure, regardless of whether the film is attached or bonded to thesubstrate or not. By way of example only, once the compositions areapplied to a substrate and a film is formed, the film may subsequentlybe removed in order to evaluate properties such as strain and Young'smodulus.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples are intended to be non-restrictive andexplanatory only, with the scope of the invention being defined by theclaims.

Procedures A. Procedures for Determination of Physical Properties ofFilms

Film Plating:

The latex film was obtained by allowing a 30 gram water solutioncontaining 4 grams of the latex polymer(s) to dry slowly in a 100 mL PFAPetri dish (100 mm diameter×15 mm height) at room temperature for atleast 3 days.

Film Measurement:

The latex film, with known dimensions (length, width, thickness), wasmounted on the Q800 Dynamic Mechanical Analysis from TA Instrument, andtested in a DMA Control Force mode. The stress/strain test was obtainedusing the following procedure:

Preload force: 0.001 N

Isothermal: 25° C.

Soak time: 0.5 minutes

Force ramp rate: 0.5N/min to 18 N

The test ended when the sample broke, 18 N force was reached, or maximumdisplacement was achieved (25.5 mm).

From the stress/strain curve, the Young's Modulus was calculated as theslope of the linear portion at about 0.01% Strain to about 1% Strain.From the stress/strain curve, the % Strain at the stress of 0.5 MPa wasalso reported.

A high Young's Modulus demonstrates a hard film, while a lower Young'sModulus represents a more elastic film. A high Strain demonstrates astretchy, elastic film, while a lower Strain represents a more brittlefilm.

B. Procedure for Determination of Mechanical Properties of Hair Treatedwith Latex Compositions

Hair Treatment:

A strip of regular bleached hair (from HIP, 1 cm in width, 16 cm long,about 2.0-2.5 g of hair) was treated with the latex solution or gel(0.75 g of solution/g hair). The hair was combed through until thesolution was uniformly distributed over the surface of the tress. Thetreated was allowed to dry overnight at room temperature.

Hair Measurement:

Three-point bending measurements were conducted using a texture analyzer(Model TA-XTPlus, Texture Technologies Corporation) equipped with a hairmounting accessory as described in J. Cosmet. Sci., 53, 345-362(November/December 2002). The cantilever bending experiment consisted ofthe following sequence of steps: the hair tress was placed on a 2-pointof 14 cm width, and the probe, representing the third point, came downat the middle of the hair tress and performed 10-mm deformations of thehair tress. The testing protocol was:

Test mode=Compression

Pre-test speed=2 mm/sec

Test speed=2 mm/sec

Post-test speed=2 mm/sec

Target mode=Distance

Distance=10 mm

Trigger type=Auto (Force)

Trigger force=1 g

The maximum force, F1, needed to deform or “bend” the hair tress wasrecorded. The results were obtained from the average of triplicateexperiments, and the results are reported from the average of the threeexperiments.

C. Procedure for Determination of Curl Retention in High Humidity ofHair Treated with Latex Compositions

Hair treatment: Regular bleached hair swatch (from HIP, 14.5 cm long,about 0.5 g) was treated with a solution or gel of 2% latex polymers(0.5 g solution/g hair). The hair was combed until the solution wasuniformly distributed over the hair swatch surface. The treated hair wasthen rolled onto a spiral rod (about 0.5 in diameter) and allowed to dryat room temperature overnight.

Curl Retention Measurement:

The coiled hair was removed from the rod and placed in the humiditychamber at 95% RH, 25° C. for 24 hours. The Curl Retention wascalculated as:

(Lo−Lf)/(Lo−Li)×100

wherein Lo=fully extended hair length, Li=initial coiled hair lengthbefore humidity exposure, and Lf=final hair length after 24 hoursexposure.

Compositions containing latex polymers were evaluated according to themethods described above. The weight of each latex polymer in thefollowing examples is determined on a dry weight basis.

Example 1 Evaluation of Effect of Thickener on Hair Treated withPolyurethane Latexes

Hair tresses were treated with a gel containing 1% Carbopol® Ultrez-20(INCI name: Acrylates/C10-C30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer) and 2%Neorez® R989 (INCI name: Polycarbamyl Polyglycon Ester, Young's Modulusof 654 MPa and strain, under stress at 0.5 MPa, of 0.07%) and Baycusan®C1001 (INCI name: Polyurethane-34, Young's Modulus of 3 MPa and strain,under stress at 0.5 MPa, of 18.82%) at 1:1 latex polymer ratio. Thephysical property of the hair is shown below in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Sample F1 (g) NO THICKENER 615 WITH THICKENER 1213

These results show that that addition of a thickener to the latexsolution makes the hair stiffer, giving it more hold.

Example 2 Evaluation of High Humidity Curl Retention

Hair swatches were treated with a gel containing 1% Carbopol® Ultrez-20and 2% Neorez® R989 and Baycusan® C1001 at 1:1 latex polymer ratio.Their high humidity curl retention results are shown below in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Sample Curl Retention (%) No thickener 76 With thickener 94Commercial 1* 57 Commercial 2** 63 *Main ingredients: VP/VA copolymer,polyquaternium-11, PEG 90M, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil,acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, alcohol denatured. **Mainingredients: Water, Acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate crosspolymer,polyquaternium-69, PVP, sorbitol and alcohol denatured.

These results demonstrate that addition of a thickener to the latexsolution improves the curl retention of the hair.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair styling composition comprising at leasttwo latex polyurethane polymers and at least one component chosen fromthickening agents, wherein at least one latex polyurethane polymer is afilm-forming polymer, wherein the at least two latex polyurethanepolymers are chosen from: (a) polymer A, having a Young's modulusranging from about 0.1 MPa to about 10 MPa, and a strain, under stressat 0.5 MPa, of at least about 1%; (b) polymer B, having a Young'smodulus ranging from about 10 MPa to about 6 GPa, and a strain, understress at 0.5 MPa, of less than about 5%; and (c) polymer C, chosen fromnon-film-forming latex polyurethane polymers; wherein the at least twolatex polyurethane polymers are present in a combined amount rangingfrom about 0.1% to about 30% by weight, relative to the weight of thecomposition; and wherein the at least two latex polyurethane polymersare present in the composition in a weight ratio ranging from about 10:1to about 1:10.
 2. The hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein theat least two latex polyurethane polymers are, independently or together,dispersed particles in an aqueous dispersion medium.
 3. The hair stylingcomposition of claim 1, wherein the at least two latex polyurethanepolymers are present in a combined amount ranging from about 0.5% toabout 10% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition.
 4. Thehair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the at least two latexpolyurethane polymers are present in a combined amount ranging fromabout 1% to about 5% by weight, relative to the weight of thecomposition.
 5. The hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the atleast two latex polyurethane polymers are present in a combined amountranging from about 1% to about 3% by weight, relative to the weight ofthe composition.
 6. The hair styling composition of claim 1, whereineach of the at least two latex polyurethane polymers is present inindividual amounts ranging from about 0.05% to about 10% by weight,relative to the weight of the composition.
 7. The hair stylingcomposition of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two latexpolyurethane polymers is present in individual amounts ranging fromabout 1% to about 15% by weight, relative to the weight of thecomposition.
 8. The hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein theweight ratio of polymer A to polymer B ranges from about 1:5 to about5:1.
 9. The hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the weightratio of polymer A to polymer B ranges from about 1:3 to about 3:1. 10.The hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio ofpolymer A to polymer B ranges from about 1:2 to about 2:1.
 11. The hairstyling composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of polymer A topolymer B is about 1:1.
 12. The hair styling composition of claim 1,wherein the weight ratio of polymer A to polymer B ranges from about1:10 to about 1:1.
 13. The hair styling composition of claim 1, whereinthe weight ratio of polymer A to polymer B ranges from about 3:1 toabout 10:1.
 14. The hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein theweight ratio of polymer A to polymer B ranges from about 5:1 to about10:1.
 15. The hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the at leastone component chosen from thickening agents is present in a total amountranging from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, relative to the weightof the composition.
 16. The hair styling composition of claim 1, whereinthe at least one component chosen from thickening agents is present in atotal amount ranging from about 1% to about 3% by weight, relative tothe weight of the composition.
 17. The hair styling composition of claim1, wherein the at least one component chosen from thickening agentsincludes acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, xanthan gum, guargum, hydroxypropyl guar, guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride,hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose.
 18. The hair styling composition of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one solvent.
 19. The hair styling composition ofclaim 1, wherein the at least two latex polyurethane polymers are chosenfrom: (a) polymer A, having a Young's modulus ranging from about 0.1 MPato about 10 MPa, and a strain, under stress at 0.5 MPa, of at leastabout 1%; and (b) polymer B, having a Young's modulus ranging from about10 MPa to about 6 GPa, and a strain, under stress at 0.5 MPa, of lessthan about 5%.
 20. A method of styling the hair, said method comprisingapplying a composition comprising at least two latex polyurethanepolymers and at least one component chosen from thickening agents to thehair, wherein at least one latex polyurethane polymer is a film-formingpolymer; wherein the at least two latex polyurethane polymers are chosenfrom: (a) polymer A, having a Young's modulus ranging from about 0.1 MPato about 10 MPa, and a strain, under stress at 0.5 MPa, of at leastabout 1%; (b) polymer B, having a Young's modulus ranging from about 10MPa to about 6 GPa, and a strain, under stress at 0.5 MPa, of less thanabout 5%; and (c) polymer C, chosen from non-film-forming latexpolyurethane polymers; wherein the at least two latex polyurethanepolymers are present in a combined amount ranging from about 0.1% toabout 30% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition; andwherein the at least two latex polyurethane polymers are present in thecomposition in a weight ratio ranging from about 10:1 to about 1:10. 21.The method according to claim 20, further comprising a step of treatingthe hair with heat at a temperature ranging from about 25° C. to about250° C. before, during, or after the application of said composition.